December 16, 2024

JAMAICA - Ya Man!

We only had one day in Jamaica and Port Royal is on the south side of island, in the middle of coastline. Kingston, the capital city, was close by and also happens to be where the home and museum of Bob Marley is located. Scott, Bob, Sarah and I want to check out the legends story and the tour did not disappoint. We had an excellent guide that sang and got us all singing too! He was really gifted in pulling us into the world of Bob, the times, Reggae Music and Rastafarian religion and culture. The museum is in one of the four homes Bob Marley actual lived with his wife Rita and 3 children, while in Jamaica and was the home he and his wife and manager were shot in. Bob was shot in elbow, his wife, in the head - both recovered. But his manager was hit in spine and paralyzed for rest of his life. 

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After the tour, we went down the road a bit to Devon House Mansion, which is the architectural dream of Jamaica's first black millionaire, George Stiebel. Steibel was among 3 wealthy Jamaicans who constructed elaborate homes during the late 19th century. There used to be 3 homes like this called Millionaire Corner, but other 2 were torn down and redeveloped. Stiebel made his money in mines of South America. In 1990, Jamaica made a national monument. Today, it is viewed as a monument and Gastronomy Center. The World's 4th best ice cream is on site as ranked by National Geographic's Food Journeys of a Lifetime. I tasted the "grapenuts" flavor, it was good - the best / only time I have had that flavor?!? Our driver Dain said the Curry lamb patty sandwich was his favorite! We did a quick stroll around and then headed back to ship. Along the way, we saw office building owned by countries Olympic legend Usan Bolt - note gold athlete on top of building. There are tons of motorcycles on roads, with multiple passengers, sometimes a whole family and their dog! Hence the sign! Back at the Ship we had a late lunch and then went out again to see small town of Port Royal. The main attraction is Fort Charles and we also saw the local fisherman bringing in their daily catch. We had hoped for a beach but prospects were limited in the port area. Several others had taken water taxi to Lime Cay Island. We were out of time.

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MARBLE HILLS, DA NANG, VIETNAM

By Pat Patrick • August 23, 2026
Just about a half hour outside downtown Da Nang are Marble Hills .These five stone hills produce a huge amount of various colored marble that have been made into all kinds of statues, furniture, jewelry and knick knacks. Inside the cavernous spaces of the Hills, lots of temples and shrines have developed. Before getting to the base of the Hills, our driver asked us if we wanted to stop at a Marble Shop, bearing the wares of this marble. The place was huge - with soo many choices! And guess what their prices all have an option to ship to the USA! or I figure any where else in the world! A sales person escorted us through out the spaces. No heavy stones for me despite how pretty!

DA NANG, VIETNAM

By Pat Patrick • August 23, 2026
On our fourth port day in Nha Trang , Bosco, Terri and I took a quick 50 minute flight north to Da Nang, Vietnam to do some deeper exploring inland. Downtown Da Nang spans the Hans River, that opens out to the Da Nang Bay and the East Vietnam Sea. Today, Da Nang is one of the quickest growing cities in Vietnam, known for it's youth (median age is just 35) and dynamic environment.

NHA TRANG, VIETNAM

By Pat Patrick • August 23, 2026
Nha Trang was our first port in Vietnam , back on the 12th of August. My first impression, was OMG it's HOT here! I have been saying that a lot in Southeast Asia, but it was over 100 degrees that first afternoon. NhaTrang does not get many cruise ship visitors, because they have no docking facilites, we had to tender into a resort marina, about 15km, North of the City. It is however, a popular beach town, and was bustling with tons of Russian visitors. The beaches and cheap prices are probably the biggest appeal, besides the fact that Vietnam is also a communist country. There are flags and communist markings all around.